It’s Time To Sink Or Swim For Josh Koscheck At UFC 167

Having fought a record twenty two times in the octagon, it’s fair to say that Josh Koscheck is a veteran of the UFC. ‘Kos’ is one of the original stars of The Ultimate Fighter season one and has spent almost his entire professional MMA career in the UFC. He has arguably gone on to have more success in the cage than any of his co-stars on the reality series; despite losing in the semifinals to Diego Sanchez.

After appearing on TUF, Koscheck went on to amass a 7-1 record, between 2005 and 2007. Koscheck then went on to fight GSP in the co-main event of UFC 74, he lost that fight in a one sided beat down, St-Pierre went on to become the welterweight champion. ‘Kos’ went 6-2 in the next two years after his loss to St-Pierre to earn himself a rematch at the champ at UFC 124; the result ending the same as the first, as St-Pierre dominated Koscheck en route to another unanimous decision win.

Koscheck is now 2-2 in his last four, the 35 year olds last win was a close split decision to Mike Pierce in February last year. It’s fair to say since then ‘Kos’ has looked a little rusty in the cage, losing a split decision to Johny Hendricks and getting dismantled by Robbie Lawler. The loss to Lawler was a really big blow for the former welterweight contender, being the first consecutive loss in his mixed martial arts career.

The heat will be on Koscheck on Saturday night as he takes on former Strikeforce prospect Tyron Woodley. A loss to Woodley would put ‘Kos’ to 2-4 in his last six bouts with three straight.

It is also worth bearing in mind that in Koscheck’s last fight he picked up $73,000, that’s $7,000 more than Jon Fitch earned for his last fight in the UFC. If Koscheck does lose to Woodley, I would be more shocked to see him stay than go.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/DeeJaySlyTee/ DeeJaySlyTee

If Josh has his head on the game and leaves all the BS aside… He can be a force to reckon with.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Zzoooman/ zzoooman

Yea, I was thinking something along that didn't quite know how to put into words. The guy is so talented and it seems that he distracts himself more than his does others with his non-sense.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Entity/ Entity

I dont think this one is do or die, if he loses this one, then the next might be.
He lost a close decision to Hendricks and the other to the champ. It's not like he's losing to nobodies, plus both losses were decision to the guys now in the title fight.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Alvarez/ alvarez

True. But is not like the champ finishes fights to begin with. JK's problem is that he gets too caught up in the drama. He just needs to develop more as a professional and take it a bit more serious.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Watermelon-Fresh/ watermelon fresh

LOWKICK – TELL YOUR WRITERS TO DO A BETTER JOB OF REPORTING FACTS.

Koscheck did NOT lose to Diego Sanchez in the TUF finals. That would be Ken Florian.

"Koscheck then went on to fight GSP in the co-main event of UFC 74, he lost that fight in a one sided beat down"

WRONG AGAIN – While GSP did win convincingly most people thought Koscheck won the first round of that fight and landed a TD at end of round. That fight was a good fight for GSP but not a one sided beat down.

Cmon guys do a better job with these articles

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Entity/ Entity

That should get attention, but dont get too freaked, Buster is new and at least contributing.
Write a few articles Fresh, you're pretty good on your statistics as I've noticed.

I have to agree Watermelon. ie. you're both right. Articles should be as well done as possible with fact checking etc. At the same time if we are unhappy with an article maybe a personal note to the author. No need to call out in public.

I agree with Entity. I like your posts and would love to see your perspective on some fan posts! Go for it.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Watermelon-Fresh/ watermelon fresh

Okay, sorry about that.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Akieyugames/ akieyugames

whoa…..

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Mmauk/ mmauk

There are so many factors for his decline. Josh Koscheck peaked a long time ago skill wise, the second GSP fight exposed that. He stopped most of the takedowns but GSP proved he's the better all round striker, if Kos can't land that big right hand he doesn't offer much else on the feet, he never developed an all round striking game. There's been a clear lack of motivation which is understandable, his ego is HUGE and he had two titles shots and failed, a lot of fighters change weight class or become gatekeepers at that point. Then leaving AKA in the way he did hasn't done him any good either. I'd expect the UFC to cut him if he lost but I'd like to think he's found some new motivation and he stops Woodley.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Watermelon-Fresh/ watermelon fresh

AGree with above, so many guys stop learning and trying to build on more techniques if they have big punching power and they end up regressing and getting exposed at some point. Kos has no excuse either, he's a great athlete and is one of those guys that probably always trains on the things he does well…..Should be training on the areas to improve and your weaknesses to become a great fighter IMO